A key component to skiing and snowboarding is snow. You probably knew this. Russia knows this, and that’s why they’re a bit worried right now. In anticipation of next year’s Winter Olympics games in Sochi, the Russians are afraid that there might not be enough snow.

You’ve probably heard about this giant meteorite that crashed in Russia and injured over 1,000 people. The Washington Post has compiled a handful of amateur videos, and they’re frightening and spectacular. But our interest is in the KHL and in particularly Traktor Sport Palace, the home arena of Traktor Chelyabinsk.

Lots of people were outraged when wrestling was dropped from the Olympics. A Russian wrestling coach understandably was, too. He had an interesting reason for it, though. Apparently, it was all the fault of those gays who will soon take over the world.

Oh, so you thought as time passed, progress was achieved? Well, everything is backwards in Russia, friend! Russia is in the midst of passing an anti-gay bill, which basically criminalizes any public display of gay rights. And since the 2014 Winter Olympics are being held in Sochi, Russia, this will affect people outside of the country, too. Details, after the jump.

The Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia are just one year away from Thursday, and this week Russian President Vladimir Putin is touring the city and its facilities. Spending on these Olympics — $51 billion — outdoes every past Olympic games, but there is one vital thing the largest price tag in Olympics history might not be able to buy: snow.

This video’s tough to watch: 34-year-old Russian powerlifter Igor Golushkin, attempting to bench press just over 400 pounds, drops the bar on his chest. He reportedly died from the resulting injuries. Caution: the video’s unsettling.

A Russian drug smuggler is being allowed to play for a second-division Chilean soccer team, even though he still has a year left in prison. He has to be under a guard’s watch while he plays. The crazy story, after the jump.

Race walking, otherwise known as speed walking or almost-but-not-really jogging, is an olympic sport, somehow. It’s awkward and painful and counterintuitive, as every walker looks ready to break out into a full-fledged jog. Except they can’t, so we’re left with this wondrous amalgamation of leg-bending, arm-manuevering, face-contorting.

Russia edged Brazil 75-74 in Olympic basketball today. Why should you care? Because of this epic, game-winning 3-pointer by Russia with less than five seconds left. And the (uncalled) foul. See it all after the jump.

Cars were spinning, reporters were reporting, and all was well in Russia land. Except this reporter, filming an episode of Auto Exotica in Moscow, was standing just a little bit too close to the track, and was subsequently nailed by a car.